Listening Lounge
A think piece on 'The Power of Language' through the lens of Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
On Weds 26th February 2025, we were delighted to bring you our first ever, 'Listening Lounge'. This free, online, podcast-style workshop is part of our 'Trusted Spaces' workstream, where we bring together members of the grassroots perinatal mental health community to explore how to genuinely nurture and embrace EDI within our services.
This was an exciting moment for us because the Listening Lounge is one of a few projects we have been working on with our brilliant 'Root Makers' - a collaborative and diverse team of people from our sector working alongside Hearts & Minds to help work towards a more inclusive and equitable sector. You can find out more about the Root Makers here.
For our first Listening Lounge, we focused on the topic of, 'The Power of Language' - looking at the impact of language, in all its forms, on perinatal mental health care. We explored this through authentic speech, deep-level listening, informative presentations, inspiring poetry, optional wellbeing exercises and a generous panel discussion derived from lived experience and with plenty of room for change-making conversation. Joining us on the panel were Lucy Warwick-Guasp (trainer and advocate in equitable PMH care for LGBTQ+ families) and Keji Moses, (founder of Mayah's Legacy).
Lucy and Keji were incredibly generous in terms of how they shared about their own lived experience of language and communication barriers, as well as exploring areas of best practice. Some of the questions asked by the attendees were extremely thoughtful and showed the depth and commitment the VCSE has to breaking down barriers and making positive, inclusive change.
As a means of continuing the theme, Keji has been kind enough to write a think piece on The Power of Language and we are delighted to share it here, on the Hearts & Minds blog:
Language is a structured system of communication that enables humans to express thoughts, emotions, and ideas. It encompasses spoken, written, and signed forms, shaped by cultural, social, and historical contexts. More than just words, language carries meaning, emotion, and intention, influencing how people perceive and interact with the world.
Language is a powerful tool that shapes experiences, influences perceptions, and determines the quality-of-care individuals receive. In the context of perinatal mental health, the language used by healthcare professionals and support systems can significantly impact a person's sense of agency, emotional well-being, and overall experience of care. Ensuring that language supports informed consent, self-advocacy, and equitable power dynamics is crucial in providing compassionate, person-centred care.
Through its tone and message, language has the ability to stir deep emotions, shape perspectives, and influence actions. Words are not neutral; they carry weight and can inspire, comfort, provoke, or wound. The emotions evoked by language depend on several factors:
TONE refers to the way something is said rather than just what is said. It shapes the listener's emotional response and can completely alter the meaning of a message. For example:
A warm and encouraging tone fosters connection, reassurance, and motivation
A harsh or critical tone can create feelings of shame, anxiety, or defensiveness
A sarcastic or dismissive tone may make someone feel belittled or frustrated
A calm and measured tone conveys confidence, authority, and trust
CONTENT plays a crucial role in shaping emotions. Words can:
Inspire and uplift (e.g. "You are capable of great things")
Instil fear or anxiety (e.g. "You’ll never succeed if you fail now")
Encourage love and connection (e.g. "I appreciate and value you")
Cause pain or anger (e.g. "You're not good enough")
The choice of words can determine whether someone feels motivated or discouraged, understood or alienated. Language is deeply tied to cultural norms and personal experiences, what feels neutral in one culture may be offensive in another. Similarly, personal history shapes how people react to certain phrases; what reassures one person may feel patronising to another.
Using plain language and avoiding unnecessary jargon, acronyms, or technical terms helps ensure inclusivity. When communicating digitally, accessibility features such as captions, alt text, and high-contrast designs should be used. Being open to feedback and adapting language to align with individuals' and communities' preferences fosters inclusivity. Staying informed about evolving language norms and best practices further enhances communication.
Language plays a critical role in promoting clarity and empowerment, particularly in the context of informed consent. Informed consent is a fundamental aspect of ethical healthcare practice, ensuring individuals have a clear understanding of their options, the risks and benefits associated with different treatments, and the potential implications for their health and well-being. The language used in these discussions must be accessible, free from jargon, and delivered with sensitivity.
Practitioners should use affirming and non-coercive language that respects an individual’s autonomy, providing them with the information needed to make decisions that align with their values and circumstances. Phrases such as “You have the right to choose what feels best for you” or “Here are your options, and I am here to support your decision” reinforce a person's agency, fostering a sense of control during a potentially overwhelming time.
Language is also a tool for empowerment. Using inclusive, non-judgmental, and strengths-based language helps individuals feel validated and encouraged to express their concerns. Phrases such as “It’s okay to ask for what you need” or “Your experiences and feelings are valid” create a supportive environment where individuals feel heard and valued. Equipping individuals with the language to articulate their concerns, whether in healthcare settings, family discussions, or workplace conversations, can significantly improve their ability to seek the support they need. Providing resources, scripts, or coaching in self-advocacy can help bridge gaps where confidence or systemic barriers may limit one’s ability to speak up.
Language can also help shift towards more equitable relationships. Power dynamics in communication can either reinforce or dismantle hierarchies that undermine a person’s autonomy. Historically, medicalised language has often positioned healthcare professionals as the ultimate authority, while individuals receiving care have been left feeling passive or powerless. Reframing language to prioritise partnership rather than hierarchy is essential for fostering equitable relationships in care settings.
Using collaborative and inclusive language, such as “Let’s explore this together” instead of “This is what you should do,” can help rebalance power dynamics, making individuals feel like active participants in their care. Recognising and addressing disparities in language access, literacy, and cultural competence also plays a role in shifting power dynamics. Healthcare providers must ensure that the language used does not perpetuate biases, invalidate lived experiences, or dismiss concerns based on race, socioeconomic status, or other social determinants of health.
The power of language can be a catalyst for change. It influences how individuals experience their care, whether they feel empowered to make informed choices, and the extent to which they can advocate for themselves. By prioritising clear, inclusive, and affirming communication, healthcare providers and support systems can foster an environment where informed consent is meaningful, self-advocacy is supported, and power dynamics are equitable. In doing so, we move closer to a model of healthcare that is truly person-centred, compassionate, and just.
If you'd like to find out more about Keji's work at Mayah's Legacy, please visit: www.mayahslegacy.com
Special thanks to our Root Makers team who worked on the Listening Lounge: Lauren Parr from Make Birth Better, Manisha Sheth from Support Me CIC and Aileen White from My Birth Support CIC.
If you'd like to find out about the next Listening Lounge, as well as all the other Trusted Spaces that Hearts & Minds provides for the VCSE in perinatal mental health, please visit this page of our website. You can also sign up to our newsletter to make sure you don't miss a beat.